The author expresses feelings of “melancholiday” – a mix of sadness and joy during the holiday season, especially on what they call their “First Last Christmas”. The family is preparing for a significant change, as eldest daughter Audrey is set to marry, altering their longtime holiday traditions. The author reflects on the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and intends to focus more on present moments, despite nostalgic feelings.
Tag Archives: Christmas
Resting Merry Isn’t Just for Christmas
The phrase “rest you merry” has nothing to do with Christmas. It dates back to Medieval England–as early as 1300, when it was used in a romantic tale called “Floris and Blauncheflur.” Of course, that was in Old English, and much harder to read today. By 1548, English Bishop Thomas Cooper referred to it inContinue reading “Resting Merry Isn’t Just for Christmas”
Following Mary’s Lead Into the New Year
As the Christmas season ends, I like to look at Mary’s perspective. Her life has been turned upside down in the last year. She went from being a young girl excited about marriage to encountering angels, facing expulsion or even worse, death. The government has caused her world to turn upside down, there is politicalContinue reading “Following Mary’s Lead Into the New Year”
Good News In the Starbucks Queue
I can hear a Christmas carol playing while I stand in line here at the Starbucks in Denver Airport. I think I’m the only person listening to the words, which are full of Good News. Whether it’s sung by Bing Crosby or Perry Como, by Bob Seeger or Elvis Presley, the music of the seasonContinue reading “Good News In the Starbucks Queue”
Don’t Forget the Wonder
There’s an important story in the life of Christ that might be good for us to take a look at before we jump into the busy holiday season that really kicks off for most of us this week. As we get ready for the familiar feelings of baking, being with friends and family, decorating forContinue reading “Don’t Forget the Wonder”
I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Red Cups
In 1997, Starbucks introduced a special new cup to hold its beverages during the holiday season. “The theme for holiday was “Give in to the Rhythm,” and the red festive cups punctuated the jewel-toned palate of deep reds, greens, blues and yellows and a jazzy Santa with a profile that evoked the Starbucks siren,” accordingContinue reading “I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Red Cups”
A Jazzy, Classical, Somewhat Folky but Still Appalachian Christmas
Every year, I search for a great new Christmas album to add to my collection. With more than 11,150 Christmas songs in my collection since I began in 1987, I’ve heard everything. Good and bad. When you find a holiday album that is simply perfect in every way, it’s a cause for celebration. This year,Continue reading “A Jazzy, Classical, Somewhat Folky but Still Appalachian Christmas”
In Despair I Bowed My Head…
I woke up on Friday morning with the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Christmas poem in my head. It is one of my favorite Christmas songs. The words are deep and heartfelt. Unlike many songs associated with the season, it was not written out of a joyful or happy experience. Longfellow had a long historyContinue reading “In Despair I Bowed My Head…”
Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Christmas
I love this time of year, and I love collecting facts about the holiday. My collection of Christmas facts started in 2000 when I started writing and producing an annual Christmas musical every year for a large church in my hometown of Seattle. As part of the “pre-show” to keep the large crowds entertained beforeContinue reading “Things You (Probably) Don’t Know About Christmas”
Beautiful Songs Under a Winter Moon
You probably haven’t heard of Mindy Gledhill. And if you expect to hear her in the usual mix of stuff they play on the “Christmas Music Stations,” you just won’t. Her combination of melancholy, simply-sung and arranged songs, along with a uniquely stylized voice, just won’t fit in with stations that insist on playing WhitneyContinue reading “Beautiful Songs Under a Winter Moon”
Duane S. Montague 